handsful

Cough, cough…I love you too, kids!

Father’s Day was spent going to church, then home for a snack, then we headed to the ballpark to watch the Jacksonville Suns minor league baseball game.  The game was compliments of the parents support group from Lainey’s cleft palate team, and they have events designed for their families throughout the year.  All 7 of us were  able to go to the game, and an all-you-can-eat lunch was provided as well.  Not a bad deal for our family! 

Another shot after Randy caught his breath. 

His present.  Brian Regan is our family’s favorite comedian…the kids have heard his routine so often (it’s on dad’s ipod) that they quote him all the time.  I got the shirt online.  Take luck…it’s a really funny routine, you should google it. 

We were a little hesitant about going to a baseball game in 100+ degree weather, but thankfully our seats were high up and covered so we were out of the sun and had a nice breeze.  Otherwise, we would have cooked. 

She enjoyed the unlimited popcorn…

And her baseball mitt lollipop.  Lollipops are now expected at all baseball games, since we always had one for her at EJ’s games. 

Towards the end of the game, the boys took some vacant seats at the front of the balcony.  When we decided to call it a game at the 8th inning (we were thoroughly HOT by then), the boys weren’t happy.  Especially Ethan, he really wanted to stay.  I predict a father/son day trip coming up soon.  

Randy, I probably don’t tell you this enough but you are an AMAZING dad.  When we were dating, both of our families used to kid you about how you would never grow up.  The eternal Peter Pan…actually, they still say that about you.  Thankfully, you still have that quality and I know our kids LOVE that part of you.  You have such fun with them!  But, you also do an incredible job of balancing that side with the structure and discipline that they also need.  Top that with the love and affection that you so freely give them, and you’re THE best dad around.  We’re all blessed to have you.

I sometimes have to shake my head when I think of myself having 5 children.  When Randy and I were dating and talked about having children, we always said “2, maaaaaybe 3”.  Well, it’s obvious how those plans worked out – I’m sure God was smiling as we talked. 

You know the whole joke, when people see you with lots of kids…chuckle-chuckle…”don’t you both KNOW how that happens?”  In our case, that wasn’t…uh…the case.  None of our children were conceived in the traditional way.  It took us years to conceive Abbey, and that was with fertility treatments.  When we were ready to try for #2 (God laughing uncontrollably now), we went down the same path of medical intervention.  Voila, buy 1 get 2 free!  And, when we realized that God was calling us to add a sweet little girl from China to our brood, we listened. 

Our kids didn’t come to us in the standard, text-book, birds and bees way.  But, He blessed us beyond measure and I honestly don’t know why – we certainly don’t deserve it.  But, He is love, mercy, grace, and so much more.  We are grateful. 

I know there are many women out there who wait to be moms.  I remember those Mother’s Days and they were just plain hard.  I couldn’t imagine myself ever having my OWN Mother’s Day.  But, this year is my 12th :)  I pray for those who wait…you aren’t waiting alone.

…here are our Easter pictures!

Abbey’s annual egg hunt in our front yard :)

They looked EVERYWHERE! (Abbey told them one of the eggs had $$ in it)

Payton found it on top of mom’s truck!

See my eggs?!

My chains are gone,

I’ve been set free.

My God, my Savior has ransomed me.

And like a flood his mercy rains,

Unending love, amazing grace…
– Chris Tomlin

Yes, we’re still here!  It’s been a whirlwind Christmas, with our trip to NC from the 26th-30th.  Once home, we launched into our version of wintertime “spring cleaning”, packing up decorations, making an end-of-year drop off to charity, and re-organizing a little for the new year.  We welcomed 2009 by shooting off some fireworks in the backyard, watching Kung Fu Panda, and then the ball drop at Times Square on TV. 

I tried to keep the number of pictures down, but failed miserably.  You might want to grab a snack and settle in…

Christmas morning…The traditional picture of the kids waiting for the “green light” to run into the family room.  Lainey had no clue. 

Guitar Hero World Tour…rock on. 

A book in my stocking!

It was just what she wanted!

She looks happy, eh?

Mayhem…in a good way.

Air soft guns for Randy…Um…I mean the boys. 

Lainey liked her crawl through tube!

Bright and early the next morning, we head to NC…

Lainey and Granma (D’s mom)

We had lunch at my parents house, with my dad’s whole family…it had been years since I’d seen most of them, so that was a treat.  This is my Uncle Mike, Aunt Gail, dad, and Uncle Billy. 

My sweet grandmom with some of her great-grandchildren…our kids plus my cousin Stephanie’s girls Ally and Avery. 

Grandmom and Lainey have a deep discussion.  Lainey kept taking her walker…isn’t that sweet?

A drive across town and we’re at Randy’s brother’s house with HIS family this time.  This is Randy’s cousin Hope and me (thankfully, I don’t look as tired as I was!)

The sisters…Randy’s mom, Aunt Thelma, and Aunt Mary.  

You’d think Lainey would have been wiped out by now, but she was going strong…

Hanging out with our cousins

The next day…at Randy’s mom’s house.  Caleb and Lainey play all the time. 

All 11 cousins…from just Randy and his brother. 

Switching gears again…opening presents at Nana and Paw Paw’s house (Randy’s dad and step-mom) 

We gave each of the grandparents and R’s siblings ornaments that we brought back from China…here, Lainey helps Paw Paw hang up theirs. 

New Years Eve…the big kids watch the bigger kid shoot off fireworks.

Cool shot!

Nice shot of our tree, from the back patio.

Little Lainey slept in the new year…Happy 2009!

A Christmas tradition that will NEVER end…making Sugar Cookies for Christmas!  And, these aren’t just any cookies.  My mom received a cookie press as a wedding shower gift 40+ years ago, and I grew up making these with her every single Christmas.  She passed the press down to me years ago, and now the cookie making is my job.  The recipe that came with the press is the one we use and they are SO good.  Here are pics from our cookie making day…

Sprinkles galore…

Finished product…all 150 of them!

As you probably noticed, Lainey was absent from cookie baking…naptime. 

signing “night night”

I’ll include her next year, I promise!! 

Really, mama?!?!!  I can’t wait!